[ale] OT-ish Political: Georgia HB509 Requires Blocking Technology in all Web-Capable Devices

[James Taylor]

I recall reading about this in Wisconsin, I think.
It's a pretty braindead idea.
It seems like it wouldn't stand up to much scrutiny if details could be made more public.
-jt

 

James Taylor
678-697-9420
james.taylor at eastcobbgroup.com



>>> "Scott M. Jones" <eff at dragoncon.org> 3/14/2017 10:47 AM >>> 
I found out about this bill in the Georgia House on Sunday night and
I've been feverishly researching it ever since.  As you may know I've
been trying to revive Electronic Frontiers Georgia.  It's likely that
EFGA would work vigorously to oppose this.

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20172018/HB/509

- Requires blocking technology in all web-enabled devices to block adult
content and illegal content.

- Circumvention information is illegal and is to be blocked.

- An unblocking fee of $20 is required.  This is to be collected to go
to a state fund.

- All companies must maintain a call center to adjust the blocking list
based on reports.  An impossible burden for startups.

- The state AG will sue to suspend sales of non-compliant devices in the
state.

- The bill is named the "Human Trafficking Prevention Act" as if
blocking will somehow prevent human trafficking.  (Funds collected don't
even go to this purpose.)

- No privacy protections for those who willingly pay the fee.  Could
become a new Scarlett Letter with or without a data breach.

- Seems like the CDA all over again.

Articles:

http://lawnewz.com/crazy/bill-would-require-automatic-blocking-of-child-pornography-and-legal-porn-too/

https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/03/10/georgia-state-rep-files-bill-to-automatically-censor-internet-content/

I was in touch with the EFF about this yesterday and it seems there are
similar bills in other states, so this is a coordinated effort somehow.

-Scott
_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
Ale at ale.org
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo